Soccer WESTERN WINS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28987, 31 August 1959, Page 6

Soccer WESTERN WINS

Only One Senior Match

Only One match in the Canterbury Football Association’s senior competition was played on Saturday, this being between Western and Technical. In the match at Elmwood Park, Technical collapsed in the second half and was beaten by 9 goals to 3.

Blame for this debacle must be laid on the Technical right flank defenders who suddenly decided to give P. Saunderson, the Western left wing the room he had been denied. With a wing of Saunderson’s speed and determination that is fatal, as Technical found out. Technical was the better team in the first half and it came as no surprise when V. Smith, centreforward, ran on to a pass from N. Dunn and gave B. Sharpe no chance. Western equalised against the run of play when C. Spinks put the ball through his own goal. Technical restored, its lead through a penalty by Spinks and was unlucky not to increase the score.

The second spell was nearly half way over before Western got on level terms through a goal by Saunderson, whose shot went in off the post. After M. Jones had missed an open goal for Technical Western went into the lead for the first time with a goal by Saunderson. Saunderson had a part in the fourth goal, giving C. Whitehead an easy shot. ~ Further goals were added by R. Charlton town goal), Whitehead (2), K. Olley. and Saunderson. Good Keeping For Technical, K. Flintham kept a good goal. Until the Western forwards scored at will, C. Spinks; at right back, had a good first half but must shoulder a lot of responsibility for his team’s defeat. A. Charlton, his partner, played well throughout and it is a pity that the talented youngster will be lost to Canterbury soccer next season. He has been transferred to Wanganui. Technical’s centre-half, R. Graham, played well throughout. His positional play and anticipation were first class. The forward line functioned reasonably well, and although V. Smith got no respite from A. Laffey, he nevertheless kept the line together well. W. Shannon, at outside left, was always trying, but his partner, A. Chee, must learn to make hia passes quicker. He was too often caught in possession. M. Jones, at outside right, has football ability, but makes too casual an approach to the game. Western looked a very ordinary side in the first half, but managed to assert superiority in the second. The team was adequately served in goal by B. Sharpe. R. Durant, at fight back, improved as the game progressed. At left back, M. Shardlow played steadily. The strong man of the Western defence, however, was A. Laffey, at centre-halt who had a great game. , Western’s forwards were well held in the first half by Technical’s defence but showed their sharp shooting ability near the end. P. Saunderson was the start of the line, closely followed by C. Whitehead who positioned himself intelligently. T. Glass, at outside. right, had few opportunities and was well marked by W. Charlton. T. Glass has proved himself a real utility player for Western this season having played in all five positions in the forward line. The referee was Mr L. J. Tointon.

Canterbury Team

Selected

The following have been selected to represent Canterbury in the Jones Cup match against Otago to be played in' Dunedin on September 5: J. Callaghan (Shamrock), I. Graham (Nximads), M. Shardlow (Western); W. Rodger (Western), A. Laffey (Western), H. Taylor (Shamrock); D. Worthington (Christchurch City), W. Yates (Shamrock), A. van Rooyen (Nomads), P. Renneli (Nomads), J. Bouwhuis (Nomads). Reserve: D. Simmonds (Nomads). C, Steele and P. Feenstra were not available.

MATCHES IN OTHER CENTRES

Auckland.—Falcon Cup: Eden 2, North Shore 0; Mt. Roskill 1, Mt. Albert 0. Whangarei.—Settlers 1, Athletic 0. Wellington.—Seatoun 4, Northern 1; Diamond 4, Railways 2; Petone 3, Miramar Rangers 1; Stopout 4. Marist 2; Zealandia 4, Western Suburbs 1. Dunedin.—Northern 2, Mosgiel 0.